Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has rubbished claims that he is a project of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV aired on Tuesday, Matiang’i questioned the meaning of being labelled a “project.”
“What does that mean? To be someone’s project?” he asked.
Matiang’i noted that Uhuru appointed him as Cabinet Secretary for ten years across three significant portfolios.
He was, however, quick to point out that during his tenure, Uhuru appointed over 30 individuals to Cabinet positions, questioning why he alone would be singled out as a "project."
“If it’s a question of service, why are you not asking me if I’m the World Bank’s project, because I’ve just come from there?” he posed.
Matiang’i further clarified that he has not sought permission from Uhuru to run for the presidency, though they do discuss matters concerning Kenya.
The former CS also stated that he has been claimed by various parties in the opposition, not just the Jubilee Party.
He was explaining that he has been endorsed by several party secretary generals, not just Jubilee’s.
In February 2025, Jubilee SG Jeremiah Kioni revealed that they had endorsed Matiang’i as their presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Kioni stated that Matiang'i's role as former President Uhuru's right-hand man, especially in the latter years of his tenure, solidified his credentials as the right man to lead the country in the next polls.
The SG’s remarks then came after reports that Uhuru had “blessed” Matiang’I, regarding the position.
“They (Uhuru and other leaders in his inner circle) said that they would be happy if Kenyans would accept Matiang'i as their Jubilee presidential candidate,” Kioni said then.
“They also emphasised the need to ensure that we are working with other like-minded leaders who also believe that the UDA (United Democratic Alliance) have mismanaged the affairs of this country.”
